On the big radio show tomorrow, one of Jim’s topics will be 3D printers and the ability to “print” a lower receiver for a rifle, as well as various sized magazines and even a pistol. Watch the documentary before the show!

I want to point out that the ability to machine firearm parts is nothing new. Firearm manufactures have been using CNC machines to create frames, lower receivers and parts for years. Over time, these 3D CNC machines have become less expensive – as with any technology – and now we have small CNC machines (3D printers) that can produce parts out of what is essentially reinforced plastic.

Say what you want about Cody Wilson, but it’s the Internet, software and other technology advancements that have made this possible, not Wilson.

Update: And here is the video released of the Liberator pistol that was created and fired. There are metal parts in these firearms, plus they are using standard brass-cased ammunition so no matter what any politicians say, they are not invisible to metal detectors. If they were, they would not pass muster with the ATF. From Fox News…

All 16 parts of the controversial gun, called the Liberator, are made from a tough, heat-resistant plastic used in products such as musical instruments, kitchen appliances and vehicle bumper bars.

Fifteen of those are made with a 3D printer while one is a non-functional metal part which can be picked up by metal detectors, making it legal under U.S. law. The firing pin is also not made of plastic, though it is easily crafted from a metal nail.

Had a chance to turn on Morning Joe last week – first time I ever saw it – and listened to Joe harangue against Ayotte..thought he was filled with too much caffeine – hyper, BUT – did see someone do a promo about the AR-15 – promised to be balanced – was able to watch it. surprised – it was balanced. Showed women with their blinged and pink AR-15’s plus coverage of plastic guns!!!! read about it today – breitbart? – and concluded it illustrated the ability of Americans to invent things WITHOUT gov’t. money pouring in. Our gov’t. should not pour money into companies who promise to use it for research – solar panels, robotic squirrels, disgusting. Don’t know what I feel about plastic guns but I am amazed one inventor is a law student. 🙂

There are two things that I have concerns with –
1) Anyone can print and build these guns, not just manufactures
2) The material used makes it undetectable by conventional means
It makes it easier for illegal gun possession. Not just penalize or marginalize legal ownership, but make the public inherently less secure.
That being said, it is up to the person not to the laws to do the right thing.

Consider, if you will, that it is the very pressure the government is putting on gun makers and owners that is powering the development of this technology. Cheap detectable guns are attacked, then criminals will find ways around this. It is no different than the anti gun fanatics causing the massive buy up of weapons by law abiding American citizens in anticipation of the fanatic’s proposed anti constitutional regulations etc.